"Tracing my mother's forebears has proved to be a task of some difficulty in as much as her mother Esther was an Evans who married a John Evans, and of course being a very common name in Wales, made the task the more difficult.
It was necessary to use the services of Jenni Hyatt, a volunteer researcher of the Dyfed Family History Society to help and I have to acknowledge that without her dedicated research on our behalf most of what we have found would have remained a mystery.
In the main, the records for these families were extremely difficult to find in as much as their affinity to the chapels, often records do not exist with regard to early births and marriages so Jenni spent a great deal of time at the National Library of Wales tracing information.
Esther's ancestors we have traced back to her Great Grandfather William Evans - a clog maker from the area of Llandisiliogogo, in Cardiganshire, though we have no further detail on him or his marriage. To date, we know that he had a son David Evans baptised in 1812 and he married Esther Jones on the 3rd of July 1839.
She was the daughter of David Jones of Ffos and was baptised in 1816. Her place of birth is shown as Llandyssil on later census. David was to follow his fathers trade and is shown as a cobbler. He later became a postman.
David and Esther had 3 children - Ann born circa 1840 who died aged 5 on the 15th March 1845, Betty born 1844 in Llanarth, and William b circa 1847. Esther died aged 38 on the 29th September 1853 and is buried at Pisgah Chapel Talgarreg, Cardiganshire in the grave of her daughter Ann.
Following Esther's demise, David remarried on the 19th November 1863 at Pisgah Chapel, Talgarreg, to Gwenllian Davies the daugher of Evan Davies, she was born in Llandisiliogogo circa 1827. They had 2 children from this marriage - Sarah born circa 1866, and David born circa 1873.
David Evans snr, died 20th September 1890 aged 79. David Jnr, died 20th August 1899 aged 26. Gwenllian died 31 October 1914 aged 87.Sarah died 10th March 1937, aged 71.
All are buried at Pisgah Chapel Talgarreg.The family were staunch members of the chapel and David was appointed a Deacon.
David and Esther's son William born in Llanarth around 1847 married Margaret Jones born in Nantcwnlle around 1838. She was the daughter of Evan Jones the licensee of the Plough and Harrow Inn at Penuwch, which today is known as Bears Hill, the home of John Roderick Rees.
At this time we are unable to trace records of the births and marriages though we know that on the 1881 census, they dwelt at Blaencledan close to Bethania and had a daughter Esther born Llanarth in 1868.
William and Margaret are my great grandparents and the 1901 census shows them dwelling in Arsyllfa in Llanbadarn Trefeglwys. It was possibly here that they passed away.
Their daughter Esther married John Evans born in Llanrhystud Haminiog 1856.These are my grandparents.
John was the son of Daniel and Margaret Evans, and tracing the details of these was again a difficult task in particular with regard to Daniel as the patronymic naming system comes into play. These are my great grandparents.
We were unable to get a birth certificate for either Daniel or Margaret as they were born prior to 1837. We were however able to find Baptism records.
Margaret was baptised on the 22nd January 1817 in Llanbadarn Trefeglwys church, the daughter of Evan and Jane Jones who would be my Great Great Grandparents.
Daniel was in fact baptised as Daniel Davies on 3rd July 1813 in Nantcwnlle parish, the son of Thomas and Mary Davies of Tanvalier. These would aso be my Great Great grandparents.
Mary, Daniel's mother, was alive in 1851 and shown on the census for that year as a widow head of the household aged 77 - a farmer of 9 Acres born at Llanbadarnfach, putting her year of birth circa 1774.
Thomas is believed to be the son of Evan Davies of Tanvalier born circa 1746 died about November 17th 1823. Evan Davies would be my Great Great Great Grandfather.
The confusion of the names Davies and Evans in this family comes about by the fact that some of Evan's descendants decided to use the name Davies and others used Evans as did my Great Grandfather Daniel and his son John, my Grandfather.
My grandparents John and Esther made their home in Tanquarre in the parish of Llanbadarn Trefeglwys and it was here between the years 1889 and 1905 that their children were born including my Mother, Sarah Blodwen Evans.
Her brother David Thomas Evans, prior to his death, ensured the Tanquarre is still owned by family members having passed them on to his children, and though it is only a ruin today, the descendants of the Evans Family are proud to retain this corner of Cardiganshire."
Written by Ray Hobbs from Nottingham
your comments
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We try to publish as many comments as we can but unfortunately, due to the volume of comments we receive every day, we cannot guarantee that all comments submitted will be published
Dawn Jones from Lampeter
Im searching for my great great grandmother and grandfather. My great grandfather (Will) hadnt said much regarding his family. All he said was that his father had died when he was young or before he was born, aparently at sea. A copy of his berth certificate gave us the name of his mother (Phoebe Griffiths) but no father. Will (or Willie) was born at Ffynnon werfil, pentregat by Llangrannog in 1914. We do not know if his mother was married at the time or if she had married since. From family stories we think that his mother had more children. Will once mentioned a sister who was knocked dow! n and killed by a bus in Cardigan. I would appreciate if anyone could contact me with any information regarding these people.
Fri Aug 7 15:01:05 2009
Heather Adams Devon.
I found this very interesting as I am currently trying to find out about my Great - Grandmother's family - She was born Mabel Davies IN 1884 in Cardiganshire ( possibly in Welshpool? - Father was Edward Davies a Blacksmith and Mother was Emily ( maiden name unknown) any information or links to other trees would be great.
Mon Jun 15 09:56:10 2009
Elizabeth Lewis from Durham City
With reference to the above article...Lewis and Owen of NewtownMy husband Barry Ashton Lewis is a direct descendant of Lewis Lewis (i.e.his Great Great Grandson) whose mother, Mary A. first married your ? Lewis and then after his death married Edward Owen (a grocer) of Newtown. We beieve Mary's first husband was called Robert Lewis and died in 1870 aged about 26. My husband's grandfather was Valentine Ashton Lewis (Lewis Lewis's son) who served in the Welsh Fusiliers in the first world war and then moved to Middlesbrough where he married and had 6 children, one of whom, Raymond A! shton Lewis was Barry's father.We have two sons one of whom also has the Ashton in his name. We have a clue from an aunt, now deceased, that the name Ashton, still a family tradition, may have been the maiden name of Robert Lewis's mother. But we have just started reconstructing a family history and as yet have not found proof of this. If anyone has any helpful information about the Ashtons, we would be grateful. I hope the Robert clue is helpful to you - it was just chance that I found your request while looking for LLanllwchaiarn on the web as we hope to make a first trip to Mid Wales later this year.
Tue Apr 14 09:47:57 2009
Antonia Davis from Hertfordshire
My ancestors Joshua b.c1806 & Anne Davies b.c1808 were in in Sennybridge in 1841 & 1851 and moved to Mathvey Carmarthen by 1861 where he had a Wool factory does anyone know anything about this family or the wool factory?
Wed Feb 25 15:10:12 2009
angelo pedro borza dublin ireland
my family name is Borza my parents are italian my father name is benedetto gerardo borza and my mother name is leondina rosina ianetta,i was born here in ireland and there is many borza here but my grandfather comes from a small village called montatico so thats how far i can track down the borza family name...
Fri Nov 14 09:12:22 2008
Cristina Borza, Bucharest - Romania
Hello! I would like to get in contact with people who know more about the Borza surname. My grandfather Miron Borza comes from the Hunedoara County in Romania. I think that the Borza surname may possibly have some Hungarian or Slavic roots...anyone know more about this?
Fri Jun 27 09:09:28 2008
Lewis and Owen of Newtown
Looking for descendents of Mary Evans who married ? Lewis who died prior to 1871 census and then by 1881 had married Edward Owen.
Mary A Lewis Cir 1863
Richard Lewis Cir 1868
Lewis Lewis Cir 1869
Harriet Lewis Cir 1881 2 months at 1871 census
Edmund C Owen Cir 1876
Charles Owen Cir 1878Margaret Owen born May 1880 married Thomas Trow
Mon Jun 2 09:29:47 2008
Terry E. Evans
I live in the US. I would like to trace my family roots. The only thing that I know at this time is that grandfather migrated into the state of WV during the late 1800's. His first name was Stevin. Family members have indicated that my forefathers imigrated from Wales but I'm not sure. Where should I start looking? Would it help to go to Wales for research?
Mon Apr 14 09:17:13 2008
Kathryn Hall, Durham
My 2 x gt grandmother Ann LEWIS was born Ebbw Vale c.1830, father William. She married Lewis MORRIS in Beaufort in 1848. Their witnesses were Daniel & Mary DAVIES. By 1851 Ann & Lewis returned to Lewis hometown Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire. I'm having difficulty tracing Ann prior to her marriage.Any suggestions?
Mon Feb 18 09:12:11 2008
Lucas Borza
Hey, im trying to find more stuff about the Borza family, if you could please contact me about the borza name...
Thu Jan 17 09:26:24 2008
Howard Davies from Atlanta, Georgia, USA
I have a forebear by the name of Richard Davies [b.1818 North Wales d.1855 Putnam County, Ohio, USA]. His parents were Thomas [b.1784] and Sarah [b.1789]. Any help with possible records for Richard's parents would be appreciated. Some have suggested that Montgomeryshire was their place of origin.
Mon Dec 31 10:23:35 2007
Jen Humphries, Adelaide, South Australia
I too, have found a problem with my great grandfather being David Davies b. 1836 Beaufort, son of Evan Davies, c. 1795 Merionethshire and Jane c. 1795 Brecknockshire. Have found the 1851 census with 2 sisters, Hannah and Ann but would love to find 1841 as there must have been other children earlier. I found the marriage of David to Ann Joseph in 1856 in Beaufort and also sister Ann who married Joshua Thomas and both came out to Australia. It has been so interesting to find out this much so far.
Fri Sep 28 12:48:26 2007
Evans/Davies
I too would like to get in contact with Ray Hobbs..as it seems we may have the same beginning families of Trefeglwys.
Thu Aug 9 09:29:34 2007
Kathryn Krzeczowski, Ohio, USA
My family line were the first settlers in Gallia and Jackson Co., Ohio. A story relates on lst of July, 1818, a stately ship, in charge of Captain Sands, anchored in our port, Baltimore, having on board six families from Cardiganshire, South Wales. The names of the heads of these six families were Jno. Jones (Tirbach); Evans (Penlanlas), Evan Evans, (Trnmawr); Lewis David (Rhiwlas); William Williams, (Pantvallen), and Thomas Evans. In April they had left their homes and kindred in (Plwy) Kilkennin, Cardinganshire, South Wales. I am interested in the family of John Evans and wife Mary. John was born about 1784 in Wales. He died in Ohio in 1866. He married Mary Jones, daughter of John Jones. If anyone has the list of names of John and Mary Evans children, would they please share this info with me.
Mon Jul 30 08:56:52 2007
Jan Winn from Australia
My great grandmother was Mary Ann Morgan born about 1859 in Aberystwyth. Her parents were John Morgan and Mary Evans.John was a carpenter. Does anyone have any info on these people.
Mon Jun 18 10:41:04 2007
Leo Lampeter from Cleveland, Ohio
Would like to find a history of the family name
Wed May 23 08:32:19 2007
Symone, UAE
hi my grandads name was jones evans he was frm wales he died in a car crash in kenya after my mum was born if u no any thing about him plz...reply
Mon May 14 09:36:12 2007
Suzanne Smith from Sydney
Hi Ray
My grandmother was Blodwen Evans. She died in the 1950s....she had two sisters, Bronwyn and Olwyn....just wondering if you would know what part of Wales their ancestors would have come from..? and who were their grandparents and greatgrandparents?
Tue Feb 27 11:42:10 2007
Catherine Adelaide Mary Jones
I am also Evans,by birth my father is 92,his mother was also Evans,from Llanrhaeaedr y m,on his fathers side his mother was owen from meifod,(bowling green).
Sat Feb 17 17:55:47 2007
Patricia ( Evans)Juntti from Ironwood, MI
My father's name was Edward A.Evans he was a logger in Upper Michigan. The town where he lived brunt to the ground in the 1930-40's. It was called Pigeon River, Michigan.
My grandfather's name was John, wife Mary.
He had three sisters, Belle, Washington, Blance DeVoe who lived in California and another sister I do not have a name for.
Thu Dec 14 09:24:15 2006
Bryngwyn Griffiths formerly of Beulah
I now reside in Builth Wells. My mother's family were the Davieses of Pencrug and had been farming in that area since the 1500s. The famous North Breconshire Diarist
D.L.Wooding was related to these Davieses.
His father Benjamin Wooding married Susannah Davies of Pencrug.
Tue Oct 24 10:09:06 2006
Genesse Davies, Canada
I am a family historian and when it comes to my Davies history it all gets mucked up. I wish they had been more diligent like my Dutch side.
Any suggestions?
Fri Sep 29 09:06:21 2006
Juraj Borza, Bratislava
Hello Dianne,
Could you help me - to tell me what you know about the Borza part of your family, your father, his parents - what do you know? I am making Borza Family website, please let me know.
Tue Aug 22 10:42:53 2006
Dianne Borza,USA
Pls Help me find my family. I need to fix prior message (see below). My uncle was Jack Leslie Richards birth year unknow. Came to Canada with his mother Sarah Elizabeth Richards and step-father Thomas Davies. My g.grandfather also came to Canada David Richards approx b.1848. Sarah mother unknown as well as Jack's birth father. I found letters with addresses so hopefully it will someone, help me.
Tue Aug 1 14:51:18 2006
Elizabeth Evans, Anchorage, Alaska
I'm not sure where to start but I am trying to find any Evans relatives of mine. My great grandfather, John W. Evans was originally from Wales, then moved to Idaho. His son, Charles Jones Evans, my grandfather, then to Alaska and married a Native woman named Julia.
If you know of anyone I can contact to help me locate any relatives, please email me. I understand that the Evans name is common in Wales and any information would be appreciated. I am hoping to visit Europe sometime soon. Thank you.
Tue Jul 11 12:07:51 2006
Dianne Borza, USA
My grandmother was Sarah Elizabeth Richards 1872-1951. She had a son, James Leslie Richards birth 1894-?. She then married Thomas Davies 1866-1948. My mother Gertrude Mary Margaret Davies 1914-2005 was born in British Columbia Canada. She also had a younger brother born in BC, Lloyd William Davies 1916-1979. I was told the families come from Beulah, Wales. Can anyone help me?
Tue Jun 27 12:33:44 2006
Sandra Thomas Wyman, Leeds
My great grandfather was Evan Davies from Rhydfechan near Llanarth; he, his wife Mary and various sons and daughter are listed there in the 1901 census. I'm a complete newcomer to exploring family history and am fascinated by any links there might be!
Thu Mar 9 23:01:56 2006
June Murrell, Edlesborough
I would like to get in touch with Ray Hobbs from Nottingham - He mentions Tanfalier where his family were until the 1850's - My grandmother and great grandmother, mother and myself were all born in Tanfalier - myself in 1937. I have spent most of my life up in South Woodford London and for the last 30 years or so In Bucks.If you read this message Ray get in touch and we'll forward your message to June.
Mid Wales Web Team
Tue Feb 7 09:48:30 2006
John Edward Evans from Welshpool
Trying to find anything about Castle Hill Farm near Guilsfield
Fri Nov 25 21:38:43 2005
Ray Hobbs. Nottingham
Thank you Phil Evans and Chanda Evans for your contributions.
I must apologise for my late recognition of the articles and have to admit it is some time since I looked at the replies.
Phil I doubt there is a connection certainly I have found nothing that would lead to one.
Chanda if I could assist you I certainly would, but it does sound far too complicated for me and truthfully I do have much still to do on my own, but I do wish you all the luck in the world on your research.
Sat May 14 13:57:06 2005
Phil Evans
A great read - thanks - my roots come from Llandysul and, like you, I had problems with the naming system - my Great Great Great Grandfather Daniel Michael used the surname Michael and Evans. I would not be suprised if I linked into your tree somewhere!
Sun Mar 20 18:08:45 2005
Chanda Evans, Portland, Oregon
Ray's story sounds like my family story. My great-grandfather, born Henry Davies in Wales (Cardiff area I believe), emigrated to America through Canada (apparently he was a criminal, story has it for murder in Wales), settled in the Chicago area, and changed his name to Evans (he came to America illegally). We only found out about 6 years ago regarding the name change and it was not offically changed on the record books until after 1947, meaning that my grandfather, Raymond Roy Evans was born in 1919 and Henry had been here a good many years before that. We are now trying to figure out were to start and re-trace of our family tree! Any suggestions?
Tue Dec 14 22:38:34 2004
Ray Hobbs
Hi, I,m another Ray Hobbs.and I was born in Newark, not far from you, in 1949, the son of Gordon Francis Cecil Hobbs and Doris May Hobbs. There aren't many of us about!
You can get in touch with me at r.hobbs@lmc.ac.uk or at 24 Cromwell Road, Lancaster LA1 5BD.
Fri Oct 22 13:05:11 2004
Ray Hobbs. Nottingham
Thank you for the comment Tony.
Patronymic names certainly do not help, and of course the fact that certain Forenames and surnames are the same in many families don't make research any easier. I have been fortunate in getting the Help of Jenni Hyatt of the Dyfed FHS, who has researched a lot of the information gained. Indeed without that I would still be floundering. Do you by chance have a contact address for the lasy at Burton on Trent.
Cofion
Ray
Tue Jul 27 11:14:24 2004
Tony Rees, Matlock
Very interesting. I expect you realise that back at the beginning of the C19 century they were still using patronymics in Llandisiliogogo - my own ancestor uses Davies and Thomas indiscriminately because he comes at the point at which surnames were coming in, and his elder brother is called Thomas David rather than Davies - even with the Family Bible we couldn't find John Davies's first marriage until we realised this - that time he'd been Thomas! It all makes work for the family historian to do. There is a lady in Burton or thereabouts who is a real expert on Llandisiliogogo, by the way. Hwyl am y tro, Tony
Thu Jul 15 10:35:20 2004
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